Are Destructive Experimental aDNA Methods Ethically Justifiable to Use in Syphilis Research?

By Rose Overton

EMS300 Student Conference 2026

Slide 1: Are destructive experimental aDNA methods ethically justifiable to use in syphilis research?. A full description follows.

Summary

The presentation examines the ethical implications of using destructive ancient DNA (aDNA) methods in syphilis research. It highlights the increasing incidence of syphilis and the challenges posed by antibiotic resistance. The aims include assessing existing ethical conclusions and analysing the regulatory context through utilitarian and deontological frameworks. Findings suggest that while there is some utilitarian justification for the research, deontological standards remain uncertain. The conclusion calls for further analysis of ethical justifiability in aDNA research relevant to clinical medicine.